photography by Chan Sienna

While the wind is tenderly blowing through the curtain, my thoughts drift into the depths of Pinky Perzelle‘s new song ‘No Games’ featuring Eda Eren. The vibrant mix of Turkish, funky, electronic and instrumental elements blend together to become a wonderful calm piece of art that leaves you feeling relaxed and satisfied. “This debut truly is a labour of love, but also a journey of personal growth and acceptance in many ways.” he explains. “I’m so excited to finally get this release out into the world and hope it resonates with people.” We talked to the artist about his love for music, the production of his debut, and the collaboration with the Turkish singer Eda.

A debut is always something exciting and a unique moment. How will you spend this day? Do you already have something planned?

It is indeed. It’s also a completely new experience for me as this is my first ever release and also the debut of my new label Perzelle Recordings. I’ve been working on this for the past few years since initial ideas and it’s been quite a journey, so I’m super happy for it to finally be coming out. No major plans, just keeping it super simple with my nearest and dearest and some good food!

“No Games” turned out amazing. I also love the vocals of Eda Eren – especially the Turkish parts. How did the collaboration come about?

Thank you! Me too, Eda is a real talent with a very honest, unique approach. The way she is able to channel raw emotional depth is amazing and one of the reasons we worked so well together. She feels it for sure. We worked on a few sessions, years ago. I then started drafting ideas and writing music for my newly founded Pinky Perzelle project at the time.

The initial concept for ‘No Games’ came out of the second solo session we had together, which I then spent the next 3-4 years refining and tweaking until it was the best it could be. The Turkish parts were initially an experimental exercise that culminated into something beautiful, which formed the basis of the extended ‘Original Mix’. I like to try different things and get myself and collaborators out of our comfort zone wherever possible to see where things might lead. It usually unearths something that may have been standing in front of you all along.

“I like to try different things and get myself and collaborators out of our comfort zone wherever possible to see where things might lead.”

I just got back from my vacation in Istanbul and really fell in love with the city and especially the people. That’s why I love the Turkish’ influences in the track so much. I also love the emotionality in the music. What do you love most about Turkish culture?

It’s a great city with such fascinating history, incredible food and unique geography bridging two continents. I’ve spent a lot of time in that part of the world over the years and one side of my partners family are Turkish, so for over a decade I have been fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of their hospitality and family values. I’m also a big admirer of Turkish music, wether it be the Barış Manço golden era or very old folk songs, there is always a depth of emotion and honesty that resonates with me.

Do you want to add Turkish vocals and sounds to your tracks in the future?

The possibilities are truly endless. I have been a collector of music from all over the world since I was a kid and naturally many influences may play a role in my production and playing style. Whatever I create, first and foremost music is always about feeling, honesty and humanity for me. If something feels right for a record then I always explore every possibility to challenge both myself and whoever I work with.

You recorded everything, including the instruments, in your home studio. Did you study music or did you teach yourself? What is your musical background?

Pretty much, yes! My Grandfather taught me how to play guitar at a very young age, I then became super obsessed with learning other instruments that I could incorporate into my own recordings as a teenager. Later it was drum machines, studio equipment, software and DJ’ing. My father is also a DJ, record collector and music maker, so it’s definitely in my blood.

“Whatever I create, first and foremost music is always about feeling, honesty and humanity for me.”

The bread and butter of the track were actually created very quickly. I played each instrument in full takes straight to my 4 track cassette recorder (Tascam 424 mkiii), initially as a demo, but ultimately all of which stayed on the final version. Eda’s vocals I later tracked straight to my laptop with a borrowed microphone. The violin parts were recorded much later by Fotis Siotas in Athens, who I impulsively reached out to in the middle of the night when I had a brainwave for some string parts I had envisioned. The funky drums are courtesy of the O.G. Malcolm Catto (The Heliocentrics) which was actually a happy accident. I had booked Mal’s studio to re-record some stripped-back drum parts and avoid upsetting my neighbours. Towards the end of the session, Mal himself jumped on the kit as an experiment and two takes later, that was that. I then spent the next year and half finishing it all and working on the other versions.

Tell us something about yourself, what is important to you that others should know about you.

I think as a person and I am ever evolving, learning new things and applying my experiences both good and bad to whatever I do in life. I look at my music in the same way. My personal evolution will always reflect my creative output and will never remain one dimensional, which may surprise people.

Thanks for your time (smiles) Thanks for having me!! (smiles)

Follow Pinky Perzelle for more:
www.instagram.com/pinkyperzellef

Follow Eda Eren for more:
www.instagram.com/itsedaeren